If you’re a South African, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Local is Lekker phrase. It celebrates and promotes everything South African. This phrase was the inspiration for a new series on my blog – Local Travel is Lekker. I’m an avid supporter of local South African travel and feel extremely blessed to live in this beautiful country. Therefore I’ve decided to feature like-minded bloggers and travellers who share my Local Travel is Lekker sentiment and hopefully this series will inspire our South African citizens to get out there and explore this exquisite country.
This week’s featured blogger is Nadine from Living It Up CT.
1) What do you love most about South Africa?
Gosh, where do I begin? There is so much to love about our beautiful Rainbow Nation. For me, it has to be the amazing abundance of flora and fauna, the wide open spaces and everything else that Mother Nature has to offer. I’m an outdoorsy person and love nothing more than spending time at the beach (yes, I swim in Cape Town’s frigid waters!) and going for mountain and forest hikes. It’s food for the soul. Table Mountain captured my heart from the moment Cape Town became our new home 12 years ago. Exploring South Africa’s spectacular winelands is something I do often and I enjoy discovering new wine estates.
2) What is your first local travel memory?
Travelling on the train from Port Elizabeth, my original hometown, to Vereeniging to visit my sister and her family. As a kid, there was nothing more exciting than boarding that train with my Mom and younger brother – our Dad had to stay behind and work. I loved everything about those overnight trips (we did them a few times), especially going to the food carriage for our meals and watching the passing scenery. It felt like a true adventure and I love train travel to this day.
3) What’s your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
Ooohh! This one’s a tough one as I adore so many places in Cape Town. My favourite place would have to be the picturesque Constantia Wine Valley. I’m so fortunate to have this gorgeous wine region on my doorstep. It’s about a 30 minute drive from my home and before I know it, I’m surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views. The wines are world-class and there are endless amazing restaurants in the area too.
4) What’s on your South African travel bucket list?
To travel on the most luxurious train in the world, the Rovos Rail. My husband sometimes jokes that he can’t afford my champagne lifestyle! I’d also love to explore the Eastern Cape more, especially the abundance of game reserves. Besides the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park, there weren’t really other game reserves nearby when I was growing up in Port Elizabeth.
5) What are your top tips for planning a local getaway?
- It’s tempting to return to the same place time and again but as the saying goes “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before”. So do just that. There are so many wonderful places to explore that aren’t far from Cape Town and make great weekend getaways.
- Get insiders knowledge from locals and also from people that have been there before and can give you honest advice and tips.
- If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway, make sure that the place you’re staying at doesn’t have a conference venue or big event happening while you’re there. It may end up spoiling your entire getaway.
- Look for special deals and discounts online and travel during the off-peak season if you can.
- Do your best to support local businesses and tourism.
- And most importantly, just enjoy yourself. Have fun and if things don’t go exactly as planned, don’t let it spoil your time away.
6) Where can we follow your blog?
Follow me on my travel adventures. I’d love to get to know you!
Twitter – https://twitter.com/livingitupct
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/livingitupct
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/livingitupct
Blog – http://www.livingitupct.com
How Do I Jump on the Local Travel is Lekker taxi?
That concludes this week’s Local Travel is Lekker blogger feature. Be sure to stop by every week to be inspired by another local traveller and awaken your own wanderlust for local South African travel. Join the conversation on social media with the Local Travel is Lekker hashtag. And if you’re interested in participating, get in touch with me!
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